This morning started on a high note. The Department of
Labor said
initial jobless claims plunged to 339,000 during the week
ending October 6 from 369,000 the week prior. Economists
surveyed by Bloomberg were expecting 370,000. The
new number also brought the four week moving average down to
364,000 from a previous average of 375,000.

Just as fast as the number came out, confusion ensued.
Several news outlets reported that a
Department of Labor economist said a large state didn't
report certain figures that were expected. That economist
also said this accounted for much of the decrease.

A source at the
Department of Labor told Business Insider that the state
was most likely California, and that the approximately 15,000
to 25,000 claims probably weren't processed. But even
with those claims, it would appear that the number would've
been better than expectations.